By Larry Lark / Herald Special Sections Writer
It’s hard to get more American than a full-size, heavy-duty pickup truck.
The 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 4WD LT double-cab with 6-foot, 6-inch box is as red, white and blue as the recently celebrated Fourth of July.
The base price is $43,795, but with all the bells and whistles, my tester tipped the scales at $62,080, making it a blue-collar Cadillac, of sorts. Only with this vehicle, the sky’s the limit: tow trailers, fifth wheels, boat, or any toy of your choice.
Trim levels include WT, LT, LTZ and High Country.
Powered by a 6.6-liter V8, turbo diesel that delivers more horsepower and torque than ever, the Silverado delivers more confident hauling and trailering. The engine is quiet, smooth and efficient, producing 445 horsepower and 910 lb.-ft. of torque at 1600 rpm. It’s mated to an Allison six-speed automatic transmission.
“With nearly two million sold over the past 15 years, customers have forged a bond with the Duramax diesel based on trust and capability,” said Dan Nicholson, vice president, Global Propulsion System, “The new Duramax takes those traits to higher levels.”
“Nearly everything about the Duramax is new, designed to produce more torque at lower rpm and more confidence when trailering or hauling,” said Gary Arvan, chief engineer. “You’ll also notice the refinement improvements the moment you start the engine, and appreciate them as you cruise quietly down the highway — with or without a trailer.”
With the crew cab, five adults are transported in comfort. And the pickup bed comes in handy as well. I helped move some of my daughter’s possessions from her apartment in Bellingham to Mukilteo, including a dresser, nightstand, multiple suitcases, carpeting, and other stuff.
With a 36-gallon fuel tank, and my average of 16 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving, the 2500’s range is close to 600 miles.
And with all the creature comforts, you almost forget you’re driving a truck. But there’s something about the bird’s-eye view from the driver’s seat and looking down on virtually everyone else on the road that keeps an alternative reality from developing.
Highlights include a rear-view camera, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, USB and 110-volt power outlets, remote locking tailgate, cruise control, heated cloth bucket front seats, remote vehicle start, tinted glass, CD player and high-def radio.
Exterior goodies include 18-inch chrome aluminum wheels, spray-on bedliner with bed rail protectors, integrated tie-downs and accessibility via the CornerStep rear bumper and EZ lift-and-lower tailgate trailering equipment package.
Standard safety features include StabiliTrak stability control system with rollover mitigation technology, trailer sway control, hill-start assist, lane-departure warning, forward collision alert and rear park assist.
If your job or position in life places you in need of a full-size, heavy-duty pickup – go American. Buy a Chevy. It’s a no-brainer. I don’t need one for my pencil-pushing sales job at Sound Publishing, but the Silverado was so much fun, I’m thinking about it anyway.
Base Price: $43,795
Price As Driven: $62,080
Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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